What really makes a plate of fried dumplings the best for you? For me, it’s all about that crispy crunch outside, the juicy goodness inside, and the flavour explosion with every munch. Funny enough, they’re always the one dish I crave whenever I travel to a country outside of Asia. Which really got me thinking – what about the top spots in Singapore?
Whether it’s the crispy bite or the crazy mix of fillings, one thing’s for sure: there’s no quitting fried dumplings. No more waiting, let’s dive into the lowdown on the 10 places to find the best fried dumplings in Singapore.
1. Ah Wang La Mian Xiao Long Bao
I stumbled upon a gem, Ah Wang La Mian Xiao Long Bao at Zion Road. While not the most convenient, Zion Riverside Food Centre is worth it if you’re nearby.
They are known for all kinds of dumplings especially their Szechuan Spicy Wantons (S$4.50 for 10). Yet, as someone who is #TeamFriedDumplings, their Pan-fried Dumplings (S$6 for 10) would be my pick of the lot.
They nailed it with shallow-frying, creating a crispy base and chewy top. It’s filled with plentiful pork and leek stuffing and retained its juiciness with every fresh bite. The lattice coating added a satisfying crunch which I thoroughly enjoyed.
59 Zion Road, Singapore 247784
Wed to Fri: 10.30am – 3.30pm & 4.30pm – 8.40 pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 3.30pm & 4.30pm – 8.40 pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
2. Hand In Hand Beijing
Hand In Hand Beijing in Jalan Besar has always been a known hideout for their dumplings, but perhaps overshadowed by other well-known establishments in the area.
As one of the top three recommended items here, the Fried Dumplings with Leek, Pork and Shrimp (S$7.80) simply could not be spared. Breaking that crispy flour lattice layer was like audio bliss – a true ASMR moment.
A tip: Dive into this dish hot. The crispy goodness meeting the smooth dumpling skin is magical. Each bite was a burst of juicy delight, the meat melting like marshmallows on a campfire stick.
143 Jln Besar, Singapore 208859
+65 6297 1398
Daily: 10am – 3pm & 4.30pm – 10 pm
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3. Hong Peng La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Here’s one gem from People’s Park Food Centre, a Michelin Guide-approved spot that’s got foodies talking: Hong Peng La Mian Xiao Long Bao.
Now, they’ve got a range of wallet-friendly Chinese dishes, but my ultimate star player would have to be the Shan Dong Guo Tie (S$5 for 12). It’s literally the one place I recommend to tourists who are visiting Singapore. Seriously, this alongside the Shanghai Xiao Long Bao (S$4 for 6), are two must-haves on your table.
32 New Market Road, #01-1064, Singapore 050032
+65 9083 5166
Daily: 9.30am – 9pm
4. Jin Feng Mei Shi
As a self-proclaimed fried dumpling fan, the ones at Jin Feng Mei Shi in People’s Park Food Centre totally won me over. Don’t let the packed menu signs fool you – it’s all about the dumplings here.
Check out those Fried Dumplings (S$5 for 12) stealing the limelight. These little pockets of pork and chive goodness are handcrafted and fried fresh, so you get that hearty satisfaction.
Trust me on this: when you’re placing your order for dine-in, go ahead and snag some frozen ones to take home. That way, you can keep the dumpling love going strong even when you’re chilling out at your place!
32 New Market Road, #01-1130, Singapore 050032
+65 9321 5216
Daily: 10.30am – 9pm
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5. Jing Hua Xiao Chi
Nestled among shop houses a stone’s throw from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, you’ll find Jing Hua Xiao Chi, a casual dining haven offering budget-friendly Shanghainese delights.
Coined as Singapore’s dumpling specialist, trust me when I say the Pan-fried Mixed Seafood and Pork Dumplings (S$10 for 10) are legendary.
It is on the pricier end because of the seafood but well worth every cent. It’s cheekily served ‘opened’, with fillings exposed instead of being traditionally stuffed and pocketed around the dumpling skin. Crispy, juicy, and all too tasty. I could gobble all ten in one sitting, really.
21/23 Neil Road, Singapore 088814
+65 6221 3060
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Mon
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6. Rong Xing La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Rong Xing La Mian Xiao Long Bao located in Redhill Food Centre is another hawker stall in the West with high praise for its dumplings.
I tackled the Pan Fried Dumplings (S$6 for 10 pieces), available in two choices: chives or meat.
Just to change things up, I went with the former. I was stoked to see that signature fried web and how the dumplings were crunchy, and pan-fried fresh. And that chive goodness truly did not hold back. The flavour was vibrant and the guo tie skin had that perfect springy kick. Hmm, the West seems to be where it’s at for the best fried dumplings…
85 Redhill Lane, #01-77, Singapore 150085
Daily: 9.30am – 9pm
7. Shan Dong Dong Ji La Mian Xiao Long Bao
At Shan Dong Dong Ji La Mian Xiao Long Bao in Tampines, the Shandong Fried Dumplings (S$5/S$8) shine like culinary gems.
These pocket-sized flavour bombs pack a punch. While different from their steamed xiao long bao cousins, these pan-fried delights don’t disappoint. The crispy exterior gives way to juicy goodness within, and a dip in the ginger vinegar mix is all you need for the perfect bite.
Blk 478 Tampines Street 44, Singapore 520478
+65 9791 4144
Daily: 9am – 9pm
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8. Tian Jin Fong Kee
By now, you probably get why People’s Park Food Centre is like a dumpling and noodle paradise. They’ve got la mian, xiao long bao (those cute soup dumplings), and more. And guess what? Tian Jin Fong Kee joins the list of where to find the best fried dumplings. Clearly, if you’re on the hunt for top-tier dumplings in Singapore, this Chinatown hotspot’s got your back.
You’ve gotta get your hands on the Fried Dumplings (S$7 for 10 pieces). Packed with pork and chive goodness, these bite-sized flavour bombs will have your crew – locals and even out-of-towners – cheering. I must add, the Steamed Dumplings (S$6 for 10 pieces) are definitely worth ordering too!
32 New Market Road, #01-1146, Singapore 050032
+65 9656 4459
Daily: 11am – 9pm
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9. Xin Peng La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Yet another Westie Bestie for the best fried dumplings – Xin Peng La Mian Xiao Long Bao!
The Shandong Fried Dumplings (S$5/S$8) are fried to a perfect golden brown with the edges crisp as a cracker. No doubt, this one’s for the crunch hunters.
One bite, and bam – savoury explosion. A quick dip in vinegar amps up the tangy-meaty magic. It’s my ultimate last-bite winner, and if you share my obsession for guo tie, this one’s worth a go.
442 Clementi Ave 3, #01-442, Singapore 120442
+65 9227 5958
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
10. Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao at Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre is one of the many gems in the area that warrant people from around the world to visit.
Some would say the Pan-fried Dumplings (S$7 for 10) is costly but I’d like to think that the cost of indulging in my dumpling obsession is relatively cheap, compared to something like sashimi, ha! Nonetheless, getting fried dumplings when in Chinatown is a firm non-negotiable. Perhaps, we’ll get a battle of the best dumplings one day!
335 Smith Street, #02-135, Singapore 050335
Wed to Sun: 11.30am – 3pm & 5pm –8.30 pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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